Tech Friday on Thursday – Sharpness

I’m traveling all day Thursday so I thought I would do Tech Friday, Thursday. Did that make any sense? Probably not. I mentioned in a recent blog entry that mega pixels were not as critical as many people think and even said I had a number of shots that really raise eyebrows when people learn they are not form high resolution cameras. The shot above is one example, it was made with a D70, a 6 mega pixel camera!!!!

People often confuse resolution with sharpness. Any camera of good quality can make a sharp image, but you have to help. Here’s how:

1. Steady the camera, the best method is a tripod, if you don’t have a tripod do everything you can to get the camera steady.
2. Use really good glass. All lenses are capable of making sharp images, but to make blazingly sharp images you need blazingly sharp lenses.
3. Use a cable release to keep from introducing shake in the camera, at the very least learn how to softly squeeze the shutter release off.
4. Don’t use anymore filters than absolutely necessary. I seldom use anything more than a polarizer.
5. Keep your lenses clean. Don’t over do it, often all a lens needs is a good blast of air from a
lens cleaning bulb.
1. Remember that contrast has a lot to do with the appearance of sharpness, so side lighting is the
best light to show texture and thus sharpness.

My dear friend and great nature photographer, Rod Planck says, “Good technique beats equipment every time.” I say great technique and great equipment both are real winners.

Do you know how much God loves you? It never ceases to amaze me at His compassion and gentle nature. I would not want to spend one day on this earth without Him. If you haven’t talked to Him for a while, give Him a call, I know He will be thrilled to hear from you……..

the pilgrim